NIRVC-Atlanta | Motorhome Upgrade | Lithionics 960 Ah Lithium | Victron Controls | Part 4/4

NIRVC-Atlanta | Motorhome Upgrade | Lithionics 960 Ah Lithium | Victron Controls | Part 4/4 | EP306

Рет қаралды 5,946

2 ай бұрын

SO HOW MUCH DID WE SPEND to have NIRVC-Atlanta remodel our battery bay AND install 960 Ah of Lithionics Lithium Batteries with Victron Controls AND new Inverter for our 2014 Newmar Dutch Star Model 4369 Motorhome? Check out this episode for the final tally!
NIRVC provided an "installation discount" to Sue & Mark. We used our Motorhome as the platform for a "pilot learning program". Additionally, it afforded us the opportunity to capture the process on film and produce this Lithium Battery Install Series for everyone to follow!
I wasn't going to make the same mistake AGAIN and install another set of (8) AGM Batteries!
Our 880 Ah of AGM were like having a bank of 440Ah lithium. We decided to step into a battery setup that is more suitable for a "Big Rig" and quite honestly RV Travel in general! For "House Batteries", AGM batteries are no longer realistic. We wanted to leave battery anxiety and low capacity behind! Our new system feels like twice the batteries that we had!
This series has just been CHANGED from a (3) part to a (4) part one!
Part 1: Shows what our current battery and inverter setup is.
Part 2: Shows what was all involved removing the old Lifeline AGM batteries, battery slide out tray and remodeling the battery compartment so it is weather proof and temperature controlled.
Part 3: Here we show the installation of all the batteries and Victron Control equipment.
Part 4: (THIS VIDEO) will dive into how we ultimately selected the Lithionics Battery Brand, Victron Control equipment and National Indoor RV Centers to do the installation. And,.........we will tell you how much we spent!
National Indoor RV Center (NIRVC) www.nirvc.com/
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Пікірлер: 61

@RickandDarcirvadventures 2 ай бұрын

Does Justin have questions that we could see and take the time to think about so when we were to call him we have an idea of what we are looking for?

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

I would be prepared with the answers to these questions before calling Justin so you can get the ball rolling faster and he knows you are serious and ready to rock & roll! 1) *** YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM INFORMATION *** 1a-Describe current battery system: Battery brand & chemistry-Lead/AGM/Lithium? Voltage and amp hour capacity. Original equipment, or have they been replaced? Was the modification DIY or professionally done? 1b-How long are batt. lasting before REPLACEMENT? How long are batteries lasting before RECHARGE? Any problems with current battery system? 1c-Charging Equipment: List all methods & equipment age in place. Inverter/Charger: Brand & model numbers. Solar Panels: Watts per panel x number of panels. Solar Panels: Brand & model numbers. Solar Charge Controller: Brand & model numbers. OEM Engine Alternator amp output capacity. 1D-Do you have a built in generator? What size? What fuel? What brand and model number? Does it have “automatic generator starting” (AGS)? 2) ***CHANGING BATTERY LOAD PROFILE? *** 2a-Changing items that ARE NOT CURRENTLY WIRED to run on batteries ALONE off inverter IS CHANGING the load profile of the entire motorhome. THIS WILL MAKE THE EXPENSE START TO RUN WILD! 2b-What are you expecting to power on batteries? Microwave? A/C unit(s)? Coffee Maker? Washer/Dryer? Kitchen Outlets? Range/Cooktop? Other devices? (CPAP?) 3) ** APPLICATION EXPECTATIONS & CAPACITY *** 3a-Voltage & battery capacity amp hours. 3b-Max PEAK discharge rate anticipated? 3c-Max CONTINUOUS discharge rate? 3d-Max PEAK charge rate desired? 3e-Max CONTINUOUS charge rate desired? 3f-Run time desired before recharge is required? 3g-Typical geographical location: Motorhome use. 3h-Typical geographical location: Motorhome stored. 3i-Lowest & highest temps REQUIRE to perform in. 4) *** BATTERY COMPARTMENT DIMENSIONS *** BATTERY COMPARTMENT PHOTOS (L x W x H) 4a-Will battery be in “mostly” continuous use? 4b-If no, describe in-use vs. storage time ratio. 4c-Describe storage conditions & temperatures. 4d-Will you be plugged in during storage? 4f-Solar panels if NOT plugged in during storage? These questions are just to get started correctly!

@RickandDarcirvadventures 2 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles thank you so very much. Now I have to find a way to copy and paste this to notes on my iPad. Lol

@domenickruttura5412 Ай бұрын

For someone who likes the detail , you are great can see the engineer in you so thankful

@OurJourneyInMyles Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching Domenick!

@kcf955 2 ай бұрын

Well worth the wait for this video and appreciate all the time and effort you put into this series, clearly this is an upgrade like no other!

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for waiting. A lot of things got in the way before I could get back to working on this.

@kirkchubbs8284 2 ай бұрын

This was a great video of just simple and plain conversation explaining what it might take to jump into a lithium battery system world. You answered questions people might have if they are thinking about making the changes. I had the opportunity to see your system at the Florida RV show in Tampa but would like to have you explain in more detail how it works while we are at the Music City VIP event that NIRVC is having on June 4th-7th in Lebanon Tennessee. If I’m not mistaken, I think Justin is going to be at that event and could help answer questions also. Safe travels my friends…

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the great comment Kirk. We too are SO hoping that Justin Townley from NIRVC-Atlanta will be at the VIP event!

@davidcline9547 2 ай бұрын

Way too much money for me! Good video!!

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

You and me both!

@grayfox9911 2 ай бұрын

Very good conversation and explanation! Thanks!! NNTR

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it Gray Fox!

@jimmartinson4280 2 ай бұрын

The wait for this last video is finally over. Great way to wrap up your lithium installation series. I knew there was a reason I liked Justin Townley - he is a Marine!

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

Yes, and I personally like his hairdo! He is the smartest RV fix-it guy in the whole NIRVC operation, am honored to call him a friend, and super glad he is one of the main players in the Atlanta Operation,.......

@allanwarmflash4440 2 ай бұрын

this was a very cool project enjoy and safe travels

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Allan!

@drivingmsali 2 ай бұрын

Great info guys! We were just stuck there for 10 days while living in the rig….

@OurJourneyInMyles Ай бұрын

For us, we can't imagine what it would be like being full-time, and not having them as our "back-up plan" when things need to be fixed. They bring the stress level back down to tolerable,...........this lifestyle has its price of admission.

@jimsherry7050 2 ай бұрын

Love your channel, but when you interview someone, maybe it would be best to let them do most of the talking ?

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

I did figure that out while editing. This is literally the first interview we ever did. Can I see an example of yours?

@SuperSushidog 2 ай бұрын

That's a sweet battery, but man that's an expensive install. It took us 5 years to complete our solar system that we designed and built ourselves. We have slightly less storage capacity than 2 of those nice 960ah Lithionic batteries (23.5kwh - the equivalent of about 18, 100ah Battleborn batteries), yet my entire system only cost me about $11,500 to build, including a high-efficiency 28.5 Seer-2 EG-4 mini split heat pump, 5,020 watts of solar and 6,000 watts of inverted 120v ac power. Of course this doesn't include labor, but now that I'm retired, my labor is virtually free. I mean, what am I going to do with my time anyway other than to add value to my motorhome now that I'm living this lifestyle full time? We can now run everything in our coach just like we are plugged into a power pedestal at an RV park, including 24/7 A/C and heat from our heat pump. Our needs might be a little less than some, but just yesterday we were running both A/C units, the microwave, an insta pot, a rice cooker, our 55" TV, desktop computer, etc. all at the same time while having enough solar to simultaneously charge our batteries too. Of course, we don't use name brand Victron components or Lithionic batteries, but the components we do use are well researched with great specs, warranty, etc. just not as pricy. For instance, we have a Sungold Power all-in-one 48V, 5,000W Inverter/100A charge controller/battery charger. This all-in-one unit has the same 99% charging and 95% inverter efficiency as the Victron unit, though it lacks some of the bells and whistles to come in at only $764 for a full 5,000 watts of PSW inverter power and 100 amps of 48v charging. We chose this particular unit because it supports up to 500 volts of solar power which was needed to accommodate our 400voc solar array - which is something Victron can't do. I'm not knocking your decision to go first class, just pointing out that there are other quality, capable products available with a lifetime customer support, good warranty, etc. for a lot less money. And since we're living on a tight retiree's budget of SS and a small pension, necessity is the mother of invention as they say, requiring us to make more frugal choices. We travel around the country a lot, visiting National Parks, and doing the tourist thing, mostly boondocking out west. We boondocked for 10 months last year, across 11 states in some of the most beautiful wilderness areas imaginable near Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, the Badlands and Black Hills of SD, Ut, MT, ID, WY, NV, AZ, etc.. We wintered over in the Yuma area last year, visiting friends. We're visiting our son in NC now, where boondocking places are pretty rare. We're staying here in a spacious site in a nice RV park without hook-ups for only $100/mo., saving us $500/mo. off their FHU rates. It's great to have options. Take care. We hope to see you down the road one day.

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

WOW! You win the prize for the longest comment we EVER received. Back in the day, when I was thinner and younger, I probably would have attempted this myself if I had a garage & shop to work it. But because we are Full-Time RV, with NO home base and NO garage and NO place to live in, we went with NIRVC so they could rip into the project and complete it as quickly as possible. Thank GOD for dear friends Bob & Joy that allowed us to stay at their home during this install!

@SuperSushidog 2 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles I know how hard it can be. We are FTers with no home base either, but we didn't have the money for the sweet professionally designed and built system like you guys have, so had to do all the design and construction work ourselves on the cheap while boondocking on BLM land with only limited hand tools and resources. I probably spent 40-50 hrs. watching Will Prowse and other instructional videos to learn what we needed and how to build it. I enjoyed the challenge though. You come up with a problem like, "How do I lift 8, 550w solar panels on my roof that are heavy, as big as a sheet of plywood and made out of glass?", with no help other than my wife holding the ladder or throwing me a tool and such. She's in no shape to climb it and I'm 67 yrs. old and not in the best shape myself. How did I do it? First, I bought a 4 ft. section of 6" ductwork and split it in half to make 2, 4 ft. long, metal C shaped pieces to protect the roof edges. Then I duct taped them in place. I bought 2, 12 ft. 2x4s (don't ask how I transported them, or the 25 ft. lengths of aluminum angle I built the roof rack out of without a pick-up truck) and screwed them to 2, 3 ft. 2x4s for cross braces. I laid the assembly on the roof like a ladder to slide the panels up. I tried using a regular expansion ladder, but it was too unstable. Then I climbed onto the roof with an empty 5-gallon collapsable water jug and tied it to a rope on top of my roof before filling it with gallon jugs that were light enough to pull onto the roof with a rope. Then I made a harness, tied it around a panel, secured it to the panel with plastic zip ties (so it wouldn't slip) and attached the harness to the rope. Next, I climbed on the roof and pushed the water jug off the opposite side of the roof which lifted most of the weight of the panel, so I was able to grab the rope pull it up onto the roof as my wife steadied the panel as best she could. Then I only had to do this 7 more times, bolting each panel to the roof rack I built, and connecting the cables as I went, as there was little room on the roof to work with these massive panels covering almost the entire roof. I didn't have my big inverter installed yet, so had to run my generator for several days to power my power tools as I built the rack. Hey, if it was easy, everybody would be doing it, right?

@mnmandthegang Ай бұрын

great video, very informative. We are thinking about doing the same. Safe travels

@OurJourneyInMyles Ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful guys!

@stana2z 2 ай бұрын

Hey Mark & Sue! Can you maybe do a video about the maze that is RV Insurance? While not as sexy as you destination videos, it might be as detailed as Mark’s techie ones!

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

It is too dependant on too many variables. We have Progressive in Florida and are getting murdered. I will always have them. All the body shops I am in always say Progressive is the best to deal with for the customers needs!

@Rob0319 2 ай бұрын

Nice interview. Will the Victron inverter supplement shore power if you are plugged in to something less than 50A? The Xantrex on the New Aire doesn't which was a little disappointing to find out (first world problems).

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

I was disappointed that I could not do that as well with the single Victron Inverter. The reason I found out though is understandable. The motorhome load shedding logic is set by the motorhome EMS system on board. There would be a requirement for way too much electronic co-operation and hand shaking between the two control systems for it to work correctly and safely. Not enough models and manufactures are standardized on enough volume to make all this electrical engineering work worth while.

@mikeprichard7933 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for giving us the whole story, including the price. I stopped following RV texas ya'all over this very subject. They told all about what they were doing and we went through the entire process of installation. Then they stopped short of what it cost. It seemed to me it was like they built all this drama to create content but fell short when they left out the price. I ask for the price in the comments and heard nothing. If it was none of my business then they should never have opened the subject. IMO

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

I really had to wait till I could meet again with Justin to "come up with something!" Our install was protracted and LONG due to the training aspect of it, waiting for parts because this was a last minute decision for us all, a 5 week lead time on the batteries AND it was during the Thanksgiving week! I worked to take my NIRVC discount OUT of the costs, and added that amount back in for a realist number for folks to judge if it was something that they would be interested in. The @rvamericayall install was way more awesome, way more complex and very difficult to separate out the add-on cost from some of the "changes" they just decided to do. The other corker, is that their system still is cutting edge at 48 volts! If I was a betting man, I'm thinking that all systems will be that voltage!

@user-ki4bj7gq3v 2 ай бұрын

Having own 4 class A motor homes including a Wonderlodge, a Monoco and two Newmars (4369 & 4081) I am impressed on how much money you continue to pore into Myles. Are you attempting to set the record on how many components or systems you can replace ?

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

If that is what it takes to get in the Guinness Book of Records, I take the challenge! All kidding aside, we have spent 2600 days in this RV so far, and driven it 50,000 miles. We accept the price of admission to this magic carpet life!

@ChuckBigbie Ай бұрын

2023 london aire ac ran for 8 hours three times. It is great.

@ChuckBigbie Ай бұрын

The front ac is wired to the battery only

@OurJourneyInMyles Ай бұрын

That is the beauty of buying the Lithium OEM from the factory! My rig would have required another pile of dough to ADD a second inverter and ADD another sub-panel in the 1/2 bath.

@rschmidt320 2 ай бұрын

That is a amazing project, but expensive. Question of a different sort: Are there any National Parks that have spaces for a rig as big as yours? Are state parks more accessible to you?

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

We have very little experience with State and National Parks because we can never get into them! Our planning is NEVER a year in advance. We just stay right outside the parks with FHU! The State & National Parks typically have electric & water only. We are too spoiled & old for dump stations! And even if we would get a reservation, we can't predict we would be able to make the schedule due to repairs and life events along the way.

@karinwest919 2 ай бұрын

Being in the market for a Class B with Lithium (6400 amp hrs), the difference between an AGM with Generator and Lithium is 20K (MSRP). So I was surprised that the system "only" cost 35K until you offered the explanation of the "discounts". To skimp on the necessary components and the actual batteries and installation by someone who is versed in it is an invitation for disaster. I am glad to see NIRVC on top of the game.

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

The "estimated" $35k was the guesstimated price for anyone to have this done. Our discount made the cost to us less,....

@karinwest919 2 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles , then I think that is not bad compared when you consider my above price difference (additional 640 amp hour heated Lithionics is another $12K MSRP!). If all works the way you guys hoped it would, then that is all that matters! Enjoy the additional freedom!

@ToddM452 2 ай бұрын

Did you say your setup won’t run even one of your ac’s? How would you stay at a HH when you need air, run the generator?

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

Yes, we did not change the sub-panel or wiring to be able to run an A/C unit. We have run our generator at most of the Harvest Hosts we have stayed at in the past. We only stay at HH with large areas to park and spread out. It just wasn't on our list of important things. We REPLACED our inverter, but did not ADD a second one.

@stephenpolos1689 2 ай бұрын

Good video 😊 your one of the best channels that gives us all the information 👍 just asking do you hear about rv manufacturers and dealers are in trouble Newmar just laid off people all manufacturers have quality problems that are bad prices are high all I'm interested in is Newmar doing suffer quality with laying people winnebago owns Newmar so there not in control any more so I'm going to wait to a new rv from Newmar when they cost 8 hundred thousand plus for a rig this may something that you care about 🤫 safe travels

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

I personally have been laid off 4 times in my engineering career. It just became a fact of life. ALL of the companies had to do it to survive. All of the companies still continued to make products without me. All of these companies are still in business. They had to do what they had to do. I think the only important things are this: Unless you have an unlimited time horizon, with zero health issues now, and predict enough future physical agility & flexibility in the future, I DO NOT think it is smart to "wait till the time is right". The timing will ALWAYS have flaws. The clock is ticking when retirement starts. We currently have a friend that have unexpectedly lost their partner to a stroke WAY too early. Others have had cancer move in front & center. Grab the gusto you have now,......get your rig & start living the RV Adventure,.........worry about a few warranty trips to the dealer later as they occur! And oh ya,........get an extended warranty!

@worldfamouspopcorn19 2 ай бұрын

@@OurJourneyInMyles great reply

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

@@worldfamouspopcorn19 Thanks buddy,........I believe in enjoying what you have now,......

@myk55501 2 ай бұрын

The video good. Just wondering if you thought of trading in Myles for newer unit with all the solar installed already and a warranty. I have one issue with your system 'WOW' you paid what😮 My home system was half the price. Personnelly I don't use that place you goto and that all i have to say about them.

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

We are going to keep our current 2014 Newmar Dutch Star right until the end! (Hope it's not too soon,......)

@gman77gas 2 ай бұрын

$$$wow!😮

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

Yes,...it was a blow to the old 401K!

@joebudde3302 2 ай бұрын

NIRVC is a smart move. The only other option I would consider would be Master Tech.

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

We wanted to get it done at NIRVC so we could get it serviced or repaired anywhere in the USA due to their (6) locations. We wanted to use the same equipment the NEW Dutch Stars were being equipped with, so Victron & Lithionics seemed the way to go for us.

@joebudde3302 2 ай бұрын

I believe MT use the same products but having the NIRVC in 6 locations is a MAJOR plus. 👍

@mikeo1012 2 ай бұрын

Today the OJIM channel......tomorrow host of 60 minutes. Good Job!

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

I have a ton of improvements to do for my next interview! This was our first one. I promise to talk less!

@scotth364 2 ай бұрын

I researched studied and did my own system, I have 560 amp hours with 600 watts solar, total price $3400.

@OurJourneyInMyles 2 ай бұрын

That is awesome. I just needed it done right and quick so I could move on! I no longer have a place to work on anything, and have lost the fire in my belly to do my own work. I', retired, and am done with that stuff. Besides,.....I have videos to work on,.....